When the Los Angeles Lakers signed free agent Marcus Smart over the summer, they were determined to prove he could still compete for a championship contender. And while his team hasn't been consistent enough this season to earn that label, Smart and the Lakers have the third-best record in the Western Conference standings. Marcus knows he is fortunate to still have an NBA career.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, after helping the Lakers earn a 127-125 overtime win against the Denver Nuggets, Smart reflected on his 2022 injury that resulted in him nearly losing his right arm.
"I was taken to the ER and lost a lot of blood," Smart told ESPN. "I passed out. ...That's how I lost a lot."
Smart, who missed the game-winning shot against the Lakers during his time with the Boston Celtics in 2018, regained consciousness after receiving 20 stitches.
"The doctor looked me in the eyes and told me, 'I don't know how you still use your right hand,'" Smart said. "'You should thank God sincerely every day.'" The piece of glass that had cut into his hand was just millimeters away from ceasing its use completely.
"They said it fit perfectly between every tendon in my hand without causing any damage," Smart said. "And they had to leave the extra piece in, because they said it would cause more damage if we took it out."
That piece of glass is still in Smart's right hand.
"For six years after the incident with the glass, I still had the glass in my hand and I used to play with it. And there were times when my hand would go numb because of it. Many times, in many games, I couldn't control it. I had to play and there were times when I was shooting the ball and just, I had no feeling in the arm, in the hand."
Still, the 32-year-old Smart can impact wins at a high level, which he proved by finishing with 21 points and five steals against the Nuggets.
Marcus Smart criticizes Lakers haters
Lakers veteran Marcus Smart hasn't let the haters stop him. Reflecting on the most horrific injury of his career, Smart had time to reflect on those who do not consider the Lakers a legitimate threat to win a title.
"Basically, we're tired of listening to people," Smart said. "I know I am. And if you're competitive, if you have any kind of competitor in you, you're going to get tired of that too. So you want to try to prove them wrong."
The Lakers beat the Rockets 100-92 on Monday, extending their winning streak to six.
